Yoke interface mount

ABSTRACT

The embodiments are directed to an interface mount between a vehicle steering/control device and a mobile computer protective case. The interface mount has two sides. One side of the interface mount is attached to the vehicle steering/control device. The other side of the interface mount is attached to an AMPS hole pattern plate.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or forthe government of the United States of America for governmental purposeswithout the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

FIELD

The embodiments generally relate to yoke interface mounts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. A is a plan view of a T-shaped member, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 1B is an isometric view of the T-shaped member in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a profile view of the T-shaped member in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a plan view of a rectangular-shaped member, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the rectangular-shaped member in FIG.1A.

FIG. 2C is a side profile view of the rectangular-shaped member in FIG.1A.

FIG. 3A is a top profile view of a sleeve from a yoke faceplate that theT-shaped member in FIG. 1A is configured to engage.

FIG. 3B is a plan view of the back side of the sleeve in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is an isometric view of the sleeve in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a side profile of an assembled apparatus, according to someembodiments, with the assembled apparatus attached to an AMPS holepattern plate and an example attachment system that is configured toattach to a mobile computer protective case (not shown).

FIG. 5 is a close-up front perspective view of a vehicle control deviceincluding a faceplate, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a side isometric view of the assembled apparatus in FIG. 4attached to the vehicle control device in FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 is a close-up side perspective view of the assembled apparatusfrom FIGS. 4 & 6 attached to the AMPS hole pattern plate with dog bonemember, locking nut, and a mounting plate attached to a mobile computerprotective case containing a mobile computer.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are front and back views, respectively, of an interfaceplate for use between an aircraft yoke and an AMPS hole pattern plate,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an aircraft yoke including afaceplate that the interface plate in FIGS. 8A and 8B acts upon.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the interface plate from FIGS. 8Aand 8B attached to the aircraft yoke in FIG. 9 and an AMPS hole patternplate assembly.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are front and back view, respectively, of analternative interface plate for use between an aircraft yoke and an AMPShole pattern plate, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a close-up front perspective view of an aircraft yoke thatthe interface plate in FIGS. 11A and 11B acts upon.

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the interface plate from FIGS. 11Aand 11B attached to the yoke in FIG. 12 and an AMPS hole pattern plateassembly.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and thefollowing detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only andare not to be viewed as being restrictive of the embodiments, asclaimed. Further advantages of the embodiments will be apparent after areview of the following detailed description of the disclosedembodiments, which are illustrated schematically in the accompanyingdrawings and in the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments may be understood more readily by reference in the followingdetailed description taking in connection with the accompanying figuresand examples. It is understood that embodiments are not limited to thespecific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/orshown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments by way of example only and is notintended to be limiting of the claimed embodiments. Unless statedotherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural.

The embodiments are a stable, secure interface adaptor, sometimesreferred to as an interface mount, between a vehicle steering/controldevice and a mobile computer protective case, sometimes referred to as atablet computer protective case. The vehicle steering/control device canalso be referred to as a steering wheel and yoke. The interface mount issemi-permanently attached to the yoke.

Current approach plate holders, used by aircraft pilots, hold paper mapsand have been problematic because the paper maps and plate holders havefallen near the rudder pedals during both normal and evasivemaneuvering. The same problems could be experienced in other vehicles.The semi-permanent attachment of the embodiments increases safety byremaining attached to the yoke.

Additionally, the embodiments replace paper maps with digital maps,allowing for significant cost savings and faster map updates. Likewise,the embodiments maintain pilot visibility outside aircraft windows byremaining attached to the yoke and not near or on, for example, cockpitwindows or window sills. Finally, the embodiments are performingadmirably during experimental testing. The embodiments lend themselvesfor use on ship, aircraft, submarines, automobiles, and other vehicles.

Although embodiments are described in considerable detail, includingreferences to certain versions thereof, other versions are possible.Examples of other versions include alternative configurations withoutsacrificing safety requirements in a limited space environment.Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not belimited to the description of versions included herein.

Conventions, Parameters, and Terminology

At the outset, it is helpful to describe various conventions,parameters, and terminology associated with embodiments of theinvention.

AMPS Pattern/AMPS Hole Pattern

The terms “AMPS pattern” and “AMPS hole pattern” are industry standardhole configurations that are synonymous with various mounting devices.The AMPS pattern is a series of four holes aligned in a rectangularpattern. Some mounts will use two of the four holes while maintainingthe standard pattern spacing dimensions. Typically, the four holes arelocated in a rectangular pattern at 1.181 inches×1.496 inches (30 mm×38mm). FIGS. 2A, 2B, 8A, 8B, 11A, and 11B depict four hole AMPS holepatterns (reference characters 216, 816, and 1116, respectively). FIGS.1A & 1B depict two holes of an AMPS hole patterns in reference character116.

Directions—Front and Back

The terms “front” and “back” are used throughout. The embodiments relyon “front” being the surface(s) closest to the embodiments' operator(s),such as drivers and pilots. Similarly, the term “back” refers to thesurface(s) furthest from the user. For nomenclature, generally, “back”is synonymous with a “first” side and “front” is synonymous with a“second” side, because attachment of the embodiments begins with the“back” side of various members attaching to the vehicle control device.

Directions—Vertical

The term “vertical” is used with respect to an opening (referencecharacter 300). The opening 300 is sometimes referred to as a sleeve,vertical opening, vertical sleeve opening, and the like. The sleeve 300is on the front of a yoke 500 in some aircraft. The sleeve 300 is shownin FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, and is also referred to as a vertical sleeveopening, vertical opening, and the like. Specifically, “vertical” is inrelation to the orientation of an aircraft yoke and the insertion of adistal end 114 of a T-shaped member 100 into the sleeve 300. As shown inFIG. 5 , the yoke 500, faceplate 502, and sleeve 300 are depicted fromthe pilot's perspective. The sleeve 300 has a void 320 (FIG. 3A) wheninstalled on the faceplate 502. The distal end 114 of the T-shapedmember 100 is inserted into the void 320. The void 320 can also bereferred to as a “channel” when installed on the faceplate 502. Thechannel 320 is vertical from the pilot's perspective, i.e. from theproximal end 312 to the distal end 314 of the sleeve 300. Similardesignations of vertical apply in the other embodiments, i.e. from thevehicle operator's/pilot's perspective.

Components and Materials Used in the Embodiments

The components and materials used in the embodiments are selected basedon their suitability for vehicle cabins, especially aircraft cockpits,as discussed below. Thus, for all embodiments, the components arearranged to achieve a work-piece environment where the embodiments areconfigured to act on vehicle control devices, such as aircraft yokes.

Plates and Members—Anodized Aluminum & Painted Black

The embodiments use varying-shaped plates, sometimes referred to as“member,” to attach to vehicle control devices 500 as depicted inseveral of the figures. The various shaped plates are identified byreference characters 100, 200, 800, and 1100, and are anodized aluminumand painted black to be anti-reflective.

Holes in the Plates

Embodiments rely on matching existing attachment points in legacyaircraft. Most attachment points are screws or bolts and nuts throughvarious holes attaching components together. Appropriate threading,although not specifically shown in the figures, is included as neededfor secure attachment. Some figures depict assembled components attachedwith various screws, bolts, and nuts. Reference characters for thescrews, bolts, and nuts are not provided for ease of viewing. Componentscan also be attached by various adhesives. However, adhesives are morepermanent and makes removing components difficult. The various holes areshown with reference characters 116, 118,216, 218, 316, 816, 818, 1116,and 1118. Some holes are pass-through holes, while other holes arecountersunk so that a screw or bolt head will lie flush with or belowthe surface. Additionally, the countersunk features are selected andarranged as shown in the accompanying figures to maintain a low profilefor the embodiments, which is especially important in limited spaceenvironments, including aircraft cockpits. For reference, countersunkfeatures are depicted with references 117, 217, 317, 817, 819, 1117, and1119.

Rounded Plate Edges

For all embodiments, the radii are generally selected to avoid sharpedges and improve the tactile feel of the members. The various members,plates, and attachment features are so dimensioned as to maintain a lowprofile to reduce fabric snagging and not degrade the pilot's ability tocontrol the aircraft. Thus, for example, the edges in plates 100, 200,800, and 1100 are rounded to prevent lacerations and fabric snagging.

Apparatus, System, and Method Embodiments

In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate like elements. Theassociated figures are valid for apparatus, system, and methodembodiments. Reference characters 402, 800, and 1100 in FIGS. 4, 8A, 8B,11A, and 11B depict apparatuses. Components may exist singularly or inpluralities, even though depicted as one or the other in the figures forsimplified viewing without detracting from the merits or generality ofembodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, 2C and 4 , the embodimentsgenerally relate to an adaptor mount 402 (FIG. 4 ), sometimes referredto as an adaptor, interface mount, yoke interface, and similar terms. Assuch, the terms are used interchangeably. The interface mount 402 is aninterface, i.e. a surface or junction, between a vehicle control device500 in (FIGS. 5,6 , & 7) and an AMPS hole pattern plate 404 (FIGS. 4,6 ,& 7). The interface mount 402 includes a T-shaped member or plate 100(FIGS. 1, 1B, and 1C) having a first portion 104, a second portion 106,a back side (first side) 108, a front side (second side) 110, a proximalend 112, and a distal end 114.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C depict a rectangular-shaped member or plate 200having a back side (first side) 208, a front side (second side) 210, aproximal end 212, a distal end 214, and a plurality of holes 216extending through the rectangular-shaped member. The plurality of holes216 have an AMPS hole pattern. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, two ofthe holes 216 have countersunk features 217 on the back side 208. Thefirst portion 104 of the T-shaped member 100 has at least two holes 116extending through the T-shaped member, with the holes having countersunkfeatures 117 on the back side 108 of the first portion. The holes 116correspond to at least two holes in the plurality of holes 216 havingthe AMPS hole pattern in the rectangular-shaped member 200. Therefore,the holes 116 extending through the T-shaped member 100 are two-holes ofan AMPS hole pattern.

The back side 208 of the rectangular-shaped member 200 is attached tothe front side 110 of the T-shaped member 100. Moreover, as can be seenin FIG. 4 , the attachment surfaces are the front side 110 of the firstportion 104 of the T-shaped member 100 to the back side 208 of therectangular-shaped member 200. As used, the back side 108 of theT-shaped member 100 is attached to a vehicle control device 500. Thefront side 210 of the rectangular-shaped member 200 attaches to the AMPShole pattern plate 404.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, & 3C, a sleeve 300 is shown. The sleeve 300shown is present on the yokes of P-3C aircraft. The sleeve 300 has aback side (first side) 308, a front side 310 (second side), a proximalend 312, and distal end 314. A plurality of holes 316 extend through thesleeve 300. Each of the holes 316 have respective countersunk features317 on the front side 310. The sleeve 300 is substantially C-shaped inprofile, which is evident in FIGS. 3A and 3C. The back side 308 isattached to the faceplate 502 of the vehicle control/steering device500, i.e. yoke, as shown in FIG. 5 . The space on the back side 308 ofthe sleeve 300 is a void space 320, as shown in FIG. 3A. As can beascertained when viewing FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 5 , the void 320 in thesleeve 300 is a channel when attached to the faceplate 502 by beingdefined by the faceplate and interior edges of the sleeve circumscribingthe void.

For reference, FIG. 5 is viewed from a pilot's perspective in anaircraft, specifically a P-3C aircraft. FIGS. 6 & 7 show the interfacemount 402 attached to the vehicle control device 500, i.e. the yoke inthe P-3C aircraft. The attachment of the T-shaped member 100 to thevehicle control device 500 is by mating engagement of the T-shapedmember's second portion 106 with the void 320 in the sleeve 300. Theattachment is performed by inserting the distal end 114 of the T-shapedmember's second portion 106 into the void 320, i.e. the matingengagement with the sleeve 300. As such, the second portion 106 of theT-shaped member 100 can be referred to as a “tab” and also a “lostmotion connection” when combined with the sleeve 300.

The fit of the second portion 106, upon inserting the distal end 114into the sleeve 300 (specifically the channel 320) is snug inside thechannel but not so tight as to prevent a pilot from removing theapparatus 402. The first portion 104 has a first portion thickness. Thesecond portion 106 has a second portion thickness. The first portionthickness is greater than the second portion thickness due to the secondportion 106 being milled out to assure an appropriate fit with thesleeve 300. i.e. the channel 320.

In most instances, the snugness of the second portion 106 inside thesleeve 300 is sufficient to assure that the second portion, i.e. the taband, when assembled, the interface mount 402 does not slide out of thesleeve. However, as an additional safety measure to guard against thesecond portion 106 of the T-shaped member 100 slipping out of the sleeve300, i.e. the channel 320, and to obtain and/or maintain flightclearance approvals, the interface mount 402 includes a securing device406, sometimes referred to as a retaining device or retaining apparatus.The retaining device 406 prevents the second portion 106 from movingupward and out of the sleeve 300. As shown in FIG. 4 , the securingdevice 406 connects the distal end 114 of the T-shaped member 100 to thedistal end 214 of the rectangular-shaped member 200.

The retaining device 406 works with a combination of pass holes orapertures. Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, and 2C include a firstpass-through hole 118 (FIGS. 1A, 1B, & 1C) in the distal end 114 of theT-shaped member 100. A second pass-through hole 218 (FIGS. 2A, 2B, & 2C)is in the distal end 214 of the rectangular-shaped member/plate 200. Theretaining device 406 is a clip, sometimes referred to as a retainingclip, retaining ring, or checklist style ring. The retaining clip 406 isshown in its closed position and is configured to removably-attach thedistal ends 114 & 214 of the T-shaped member 100 and rectangular-shapedmember 200, respectively. Alternatively, nuts and bolts could also beused in place of the retaining clip 406, along with appropriately-sizedwasher(s). However, that alternative is not capable of being installedor removed as quickly as the retaining clip 406 shown in FIG. 4 .

Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 , another embodimentrelates to an interface system 700. The system is shown in FIG. 7 andincludes a vehicle control device (a yoke) 500 and an AMPS hole patternplate 404. The vehicle control device 500 has a proximal end 512 and adistal end 514. The distal end 514 has a faceplate 502 facing a vehicleoperator (the user, such as a pilot). The faceplate 502 has the sleeve300 discussed earlier. The interface mount 402 is shown assembled andattached to the yoke 500. The second portion 106 of the T-shaped member100 (shown in detail in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C) and, specifically, thedistal end 114 is mated with the sleeve 300.

The AMPS hole pattern plate 404 has two sides. One side of the AMPS holepattern plate 404 is attached to the front side 210 of therectangular-shaped member 200. The other side of the AMPS hole patternplate 404 has a dog bone section 410. The dog bone section 410 isattached at its distal end to a locking nut 412. The locking nut 412 isattached at its distal end to a mounting plate 414. The mounting plate414 is configured to attach to a mobile computer protective case 702. Asshown in FIGS. 6, 10, and 13 , mounting plate 414 has a center portion602 that is decorative and used for aesthetics and labeling purposes.

The mobile computer protective case 702 is shown housing a mobilecomputer 704. The dog bone section 410 and the locking nut 412 allow theoperator to turn the case 702 to a desired sight line for viewing themobile computer 704. The embodiments act on and attach with the AMPShole pattern plate 404 and, as such, work with the dog bone section 410,locking nut 412, mounting plate 414, protective case 702, and mobilecomputer 704.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 10 shows an interface plate 800 that is configured toattach to and act upon an aircraft yoke 900 (FIGS. 9 and 10 ). FIGS. 8Aand 8B are front and back views, respectively, of the interface plate800. The yoke 900 in FIG. 9 is for a P-3A aircraft. FIGS. 11A and 11Billustrate front and back views, respectively, of an interference plate1100 for a C-130 aircraft. FIGS. 12 and 13 depict a yoke 1200 for theC-130 aircraft, creating a work piece environment that the interfaceplate 1100 acts upon.

Referring simultaneously FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9, and 10 , an interface systemincludes an aircraft yoke 900. The yoke has a proximal end 912 and adistal end 914. The distal end 914 has a face plate 902 facing a user,sometimes referred to as a vehicle operator, i.e. the pilot. Thefaceplate 902 has a plurality of holes 904 in a triangular pattern, twoholes at the top and one at the bottom of the face plate.

The interface plate 800 is an anodized aluminum plate having a back side808 (first side), a front side 810 (second side), a proximal end 812,and a distal end 814. The interface plate 800 issubstantially-rectangular in shape. Corners may be rounded to preventsnagging and lacerations. A plurality of holes having an AMPS holepattern 816 are shown in both FIGS. 8A and 8B of the anodized aluminumplate 800. The holes 816 have countersunk features 817 on the back side808 of the anodized aluminum plate 800. The plurality of holes 904 inthe triangular pattern on the face plate 902 has matching holes 818 inthe anodized aluminum plate 800. The matching holes 818 have countersunkfeatures 819 on the front side 810 of the anodized aluminum plate 800.

The back side 808 of the anodized aluminum plate 800 is configured toattach to the faceplate 902. The front side 910 of the anodized aluminumplate 800 is configured to act on an AMPS hole pattern plate 404. TheAMPS hole pattern plate 404 has two sides. One side of the AMPS holepattern plate 404 is attached to the front side 810 of the anodizedaluminum plate 800. The other side of the AMPS hole pattern plate 404has a dog bone section 410. The dog bone section 410 is attached at itsdistal end to a locking nut 412. The locking nut 412 is attached at itsdistal end to a mounting plate 414. The mounting plate 414 is configuredto attach to a mobile computer protective case 702. As shown in FIG. 7 ,the mobile computer protective case 702 is shown housing a mobilecomputer 704.

Referring to FIG. 9 , it is evident that the P-3A aircraft yoke 900 hasa center portion of the faceplate 902 resembling a hub or bubble 905.The interior of the yoke 900 underneath the hub 905 is conglomeration ofwires (not shown for ease of viewing) used for various aircraft controlpurposes. As such, the hub 905 can be considered a protective shroud forthe wires and is configured to give the wires more room during aircraftturns.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 , the interface plate 800 for the P-3Ais configured such that its holes 816 are offset (i.e. not centered) onthe interface plate. It follows that the AMPS hole pattern plate 404 isalso offset when attached to the interface plate 800 through holes 816.The reason is to avoid possible interference with aircraft yoke controlsand not block the pilot's view of certain instrument cluster gauges onthe front panel of the cockpit when using the example attachment system(illustrated by the dogbone section 410, locking nut 412, and mountingplate 414). A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the holes 816 can be oriented differently (i.e. not offset) whenusing a different attachment system without detracting from the meritsor generalities of the embodiments. The orientation of the view in FIG.10 is such that the AMPS hole pattern plate 404 is hidden by themounting plate 414. A portion of the locking nut 412 is visible.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show front and back views, respectively, of aninterference plate 1100 for a C-130 aircraft. FIGS. 12 and 13 depict ayoke 1200 for the C-130 aircraft, creating a work piece environment thatthe interface plate 1100 acts upon. Referring simultaneously FIGS. 11A,11B, 12, and 13 , an interface system includes the yoke 1200. The yoke1200 has a proximal end 1212 and a distal end 1214. The distal end 1214has a face plate 1202 facing a user (the pilot). The faceplate 1202 hasa plurality of holes 1204.

The interface plate 1100 is an anodized aluminum plate having a backside 1108 (first side), a front side 1110 (second side), a proximal end1112, and a distal end 1114. The plate 1100 is substantially-square onits proximal end 1112 and rounded on its distal end 1114. A plurality ofholes having an AMPS hole pattern 1116 are shown in both FIGS. 11A and11B of the anodized aluminum plate 1100 and extend through the anodizedaluminum plate. The holes 1116 are offset in similar fashion asdescribed above with respect to the interface plate 800 in FIG. 8 . Theholes 1116 have countersunk features 1117 on the backside 1108 of theanodized aluminum plate 1100. The plurality of holes 1204 on thefaceplate 1202 has matching holes 1118 in the anodized aluminum plate1100. For nomenclature, the matching holes 1118 are also referred to asa first set of holes. The first set of holes 1118 extend through theanodized aluminum plate 1100 and have countersunk features 1119 on thefront side 1110 of the anodized aluminum plate 1100. Likewise, fornomenclature, the plurality of holes having an AMPS hole pattern 1116are also referred to as a second set of holes having an AMPS holepattern or simply a second set of holes.

The assembled embodiment in FIG. 13 does not include the faceplate 1202from FIG. 12 . The faceplate 1202 (shown in FIG. 12 ) is removed and theback side 1108 of the anodized aluminum plate 1100 is configured toattach to the yoke 1200 using the holes (which are threaded) 1204 thatwere previously used by the faceplate 1202. Thus, the faceplate 1202 wasremoved and replaced with the anodized aluminum plate 1100. The firstset of holes 1118 have a corresponding orientation with the holes 1204in the distal end 1214 of the yoke 1200.

The front side 1110 of the anodized aluminum plate 1100 is configured toact on an AMPS hole pattern plate 404. The AMPS hole pattern plate 404has two sides. One side of the AMPS hole pattern plate 404 is attachedto the front side 1110 of the anodized aluminum plate 1100.

While the embodiments have been described, disclosed, illustrated andshown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which ithas presumed in practice, the scope of the embodiments is not intendedto be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such othermodifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings hereinare particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth andscope of the claims here appended.

What is claimed is:
 1. An interface system between an aircraft yoke andan AMPS hole pattern plate attached to a mobile computer protectivecase, said interface system, comprising: an aircraft yoke having aproximal end and a distal end, said distal end facing a pilot, saiddistal end configured with a plurality of holes; an anodized aluminumplate having a first side, a second side, a proximal end, a distal end,and matching holes extending through said anodized aluminum plate,wherein said matching holes having a corresponding orientation with saidplurality of holes in said distal end of said aircraft yoke; whereinsaid first side of said anodized aluminum plate is configured to attachto said distal end of said aircraft yoke; wherein said anodized aluminumplate having a plurality of holes in an AMPS hole pattern extendingthrough said anodized aluminum plate; wherein said plurality of holes inan AMPS hole pattern are located vertically between a matching holeproximate to said proximal end of said anodized aluminum plate and amatching hole proximate to said distal end of said anodized aluminumplate; and an AMPS hole pattern plate having proximal and distal ends,said proximal end attached to said second side of said anodized aluminumplate, said distal end configured for attachment to a mobile computerprotective case.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein saidanodized aluminum plate is substantially-rectangular in shape.
 3. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein said matching holes having at leastone hole proximate to said proximal end of said anodized aluminum plateand at least one hole proximate to said distal end of said anodizedaluminum plate.